Earth Observation Satellite Systems Engineer (Deputy Chief)

Airbus Defence and Space; Getafe; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Employee stock options

Biennial training and development

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space in Madrid (Getafe) seeks a Satellite System Engineer with a strong Earth Observation background. The role focuses on V&V, interface management, and technical leadership as Deputy Chief Engineer across the mission lifecycle.

You will oversee system-level verification, manage ICDs, and contribute to risk mitigation, technical reviews, and project progress in a multidisciplinary, international environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in Systems Engineering within the Space industry, specifically on satellite platforms or high-complexity space missions.
• Strong background in Earth Observation or Science mission architectures is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Verification & Validation (V&V) Plan in accordance with ECSS standards.
• Execute mission analysis, generate the CONOPS and, from those, derive V&V strategies for the product.
• Define verification methods (Analysis, Inspection, Demonstration, Test) to ensure all system requirements are met throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Coordinate complex system-level tests, including environmental testing and end-to-end functional tests.
• Manage the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between the spacecraft, payload, and ground segments.
• Assist in technical decision-making processes and the management of technical risks and contingencies.
• Participate in Technical Reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, AR) and prepare high-level technical documentation for customers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the technical management of the project, including resource estimation, cost control, schedule alignment, and progress monitoring.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Systems engineering

Earth observation

Space mission lifecycle

ECSS standards

Requirements engineering

Interface management

AOCS/EPS/OBDH

English language

Education

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering

PhD in a related technical field

Tools

DOORS

Job description

Airbus Defence and Space in Madrid (Getafe) seeks a Satellite System Engineer with a strong Earth Observation background. The role focuses on V&V, interface management, and technical leadership as Deputy Chief Engineer across the mission lifecycle.

You will oversee system-level verification, manage ICDs, and contribute to risk mitigation, technical reviews, and project progress in a multidisciplinary, international environment.